Instituted in 1735, Royal Burgess is the oldest golfing society in the world.  The course at Barnton is one of the finest parkland layouts in the country and was originally laid out by Tom Morris in 1894.  The course is a Par 71 measuring 6511 yards.

First of all a big thank you to Nicky my friend who is the professional at Burgess and also to the secretary for allowing Stu and I to play over the course for our charity it was greatly appreciated.  In a word ‘brilliant’ the course was in fantastic condition and although Nicky did say the greens would be better in a weeks time they were still a joy to putt on (maybe cause Craig’s biased as he holed a thirty footer at the first for birdie!)

Having only played the course in team matches (Craig), and Stu having never played here at all it made for an enjoyable evening in the sun.  A tough course for Stu although a good effort saw a 92 scratch with only one or two disasters namely the 16th were the dummy was well spat oot!  Highlights of the round were the par at 13 where he almost made his two after a great approach shot.  Craig played very well recording a 70 scratch one under.  Although not all off the back tees it has to be said the only time Craig went back to the tee was to play the holes 4th, 6th, 7th, 9th, 16th, 17th and 18th to try and play the course at its longest.  A birdie at the first was quickly cancelled out with a bogey at the 3rd.  The 4th almost saw a great birdie although above the hole was not an easy putt.  A goo dup and down at the next par 3 kept the score going and then a bad miss for birdie at the next ensued.  A pitch in however at the next got Crig to -1 however quickly threw it back by missing the green with his wedge.  A par at 9 saw Craig turn in level par 35.  A birdie at 10 followed by three pars saw Craig -1 again after 13 however bad bogey’s at the next two from middle of fairways put him back to +1.  The 16th is a goof birdie chance and Craig took it hitting driver, 6 iron onto green and two putts saw birdie.  17th a tough par 4 into wind saw a good par after a big drive and a long iron into the green.  A well struck rescue club to 18 gave Craig a chance to make eagle but only two putts were to follow to give Craig a 70 scratch.

A magic golf course which was a joy to play.  Burgess have a number of talented golfers and it must help having such a good course to play over.  A must play golf course.

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